Comparing Demographic Characteristics and Adverse Event Rates at Two Dermatologic Surgery Practices

Background: Patient demographics and operative techniques may contribute to adverse events after surgeries. Objective: To identify differences in adverse event rates between different dermatologic surgery centers and potential contributing features affecting these rates. Methods: Data regarding demographics, procedure type, and adverse events were collected at two dermatologic surgery centers. Results: The most common adverse event at both sites was infection: 2.1% at site 1 versus 0.5% at site 2 (p < .001). Using multivariate logistic regression, procedure type (Mohs surgery), geographic location (being at site 1), older age, and anatomic location of surgery were associated with a higher risk of infection. Conclusion: Adverse event rate appears to correlate with patient demographics, procedure type, and setting of surgery more than use of prophylactic antibiotics. Identification of differences in adverse event rates and potential contributing variables at different practices may allow for identification of opportunities to prevent adverse events.